Arriving in
the August heat
Gently
unpacked and placed at our feet
A little
shorter than her
Tears making
our vision blur
Inspecting
every small leaf
Believing it
would lesson our grief
A little
supporter for her
Merely
making our mission occur
Planting in
the August ground
Gently
placed ashes safe and sound
A shovel of
soil and a prayer
Hearing
heart burdens we bare
Blessings
for growth not yet seen
Wind blowing
leaves red, orange and green
A strong
limb for the cardinal to nest
A special
place for her spirit to rest
Blessed when
the years come and go
Finding
ourselves sitting below
On a blanket
of red leaves on the ground
And, praying
to feel her love all around
Blessed to
have had her at all
Believing this
tree will never stay small
Standing tall,
I hope to never see
A poem
lovely as this red maple tree
Vicki Rogers
This is very moving - "blessed to have had her at all", the gently placed ashes, and the tree planted in memory. Just so lovely. I love how you close with the phrase given as the prompt. I loved this.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much, although I've always loved writing I've never concentrated poem writing. I'm loving reading everyone's poems!
Deletep.s. I love the horses i nyour banner photo, and wonder if they are yours. They are lovely.
ReplyDeleteNo, I found it on a site called unsplash. Credit is at the bottom of my blog. I think they're adorable too.
Deletethis is rich and complex poem, sings to the testament of loss, mourning, grief, of transitions, changes and of course, honouring a memory, by planting a tree, - and the ending is particularly interesting for the "negative" - of not wishing or wanting to have to see or experience this. All in all, very sensitive.
ReplyDeleteThank you, I'm writing from the heart I'm afraid, but it is helping me cope with our loss. I'm learning so much being on the sites reading and practicing writing.
DeleteThis tender poem brought tears to my eyes.
ReplyDeleteMine too, thank you for reading it and helping me learn.
DeleteLucky little tree, to be so treasured. But after all, that's as it should be.
ReplyDeleteI agree, thanks for reading my poem.
DeleteThe cycle of birth and death goes on..... this maple tree reminds us of of the moments we should always cherish.....
ReplyDeleteBeautiful thought, thank you.
DeleteTrees are a constant source of poetic inspiration.
ReplyDeleteGreat advice, thank you.
DeleteThis poem goes straight to my heart. This summer has been one of a different grief for my family, the grief of watching our child suffer through illness. We are seeing light and pray the worst is behind her. I needed this today.
ReplyDeleteThank you, I'm so happy it touched your heart in a special way. Prayers sent your way today.
DeleteMy heart knows the true story behind the tree, and the August birth and gently placed ashes safe and sound. This is a wonderful tribute to the memory of someone so dear to our hearts! Truly moving and lovely Vicki! I love the new pic at the top of your blog and Amanda's artwork feature to the side! Your blog is super cool and lovely!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Carrie. I'm so thankful for clicking your link that day, I've been given a true blessing being able to express my thoughts through writing. Your such a loving and caring person, and I'm so lucky to have all of Kelly's extended family in my life.
DeleteI feel the same way! Kelly is so dear to us all and so are you and all the Rogers! It has been a blessing to me to visit with you and help you share your wonderful talent with the world! I love Amanda's art to! 💕
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carrie. She is passionate about it too.
DeleteTender and inspiring - life goes on and to have love endure in this way is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Margaret.
DeleteIt's not clear whether the tree was planted to commemorate a birth or a death. Either is a lovely idea; either makes a lovely poem.
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading, I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Delete